What is your understanding of the concept of the 'angry young man' and its implications in the context of this play ? (MEG 104) (UNIT 2 THE CHARACTERS)

The concept of the "angry young man" emerged in post-World War II Britain as a cultural phenomenon that reflected the frustrations and disillusionment of a generation of young working-class men who felt excluded from the political and cultural mainstream. These men, who were often writers, artists, or intellectuals, expressed their anger and dissatisfaction through their work, which often explored themes of social inequality, class conflict, and the failure of traditional institutions to address the needs of ordinary people.

In the context of John Osborne's play "Look Back in Anger," the protagonist Jimmy Porter is a classic example of the "angry young man" archetype. He is a working-class man who feels trapped by the social and cultural norms of his time and place. He is frustrated by his lack of opportunities and his sense of exclusion from the political and cultural elite. He expresses his anger and frustration through his art, his relationships, and his politics.

The implications of the "angry young man" archetype in the play are twofold. On the one hand, Jimmy's anger and disillusionment reflect the larger social and cultural changes taking place in post-war Britain. The play critiques the British class system and the traditional values that perpetuate inequality and social division. It also explores the generational conflict between Jimmy's generation, which has experienced the trauma of war and social upheaval, and the older generation, which represents the status quo and the values of the past.

On the other hand, Jimmy's anger and bitterness can also be seen as a manifestation of his own personal flaws and insecurities. His relationships with Alison and Helena are characterized by emotional volatility and dysfunction, and his tendency towards violence and aggression reflects his inability to deal with his own feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

In this way, the concept of the "angry young man" in the play reflects both the larger cultural and political forces of post-war Britain and the personal struggles of the individual characters. It is a complex and multifaceted concept that speaks to the tensions and contradictions of the time and place in which the play is set.